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In our spiritual journey at John Therry Catholic College, we often reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ to guide our actions and decisions. One profound teaching from Jesus is found in the Gospel of John 14:6, within the statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This powerful declaration encapsulates the essence of our faith and serves as a beacon for living a life aligned with God's will. There are also strong connections here to our motto, Recta Sapere.

Jesus as "the way" signifies that He is the path to a full life. Following Jesus' teachings and examples provides a roadmap for living with integrity, compassion, and purpose. In our College community, we strive to follow this path by fostering an environment of respect, kindness, and academic excellence. Integrity and purpose are also key Marist elements, and are spoken about frequently with students. In a world where information is abundant and often conflicting, Jesus as "the truth" reassures us that His teachings are the ultimate source of wisdom and clarity. Embracing this truth helps us discern right from wrong and encourages us to seek knowledge that aligns with our faith and values. In essence, this allows us to reflect on the importance of “knowing what is right and just”, as is our motto Recta Sapere. Jesus as "the life" highlights the promise of life that comes from a relationship with Him. This assurance of a meaningful life inspires us to live with hope and joy. It reminds us that our spiritual well-being is paramount and should be nurtured through prayer, community, and service.

There are examples each day at the College of students demonstrating these values in the way they interact with their peers and teachers and in their exploration of both their purpose and faith. Our work as a Catholic school is to ensure that students understand the example of Jesus, and experience an encounter with Him through the values embedded in Recta Sapere: to know, love and relish what is right and just. 

Conversations with the Bishop

On Wednesday of Week 8, Bishop Brian Mascord visited the College for the annual Year 12 Conversations with the Bishop event. The Conversation with the Bishop was a significant opportunity for Year 12 students to join in discussion with the Bishop and with each other. The Bishop firstly met with the Student Leadership team, which was followed by a meeting with the Year 12 cohort. After this, Bishop Brian completed a Zoom with Year 12 leaders from each secondary CEDoW school.  

This event allowed students to engage with and build a personal relationship with Bishop Brian, and explore their faith further. Questions discussed included “What makes a school Catholic?” and “What have been your powerful experiences of God?”. The students of John Therry asked reflective questions, and the discussions were insightful for everyone involved.  

7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 

Year 7-10 PTS Interviews will be held on Wednesday 31st July from 3.30 - 8pm. Prior to this, student reports for 7-10 will be released via the Compass portal on Thursday 4 June, and Year 10 reports will be uploaded to Compass on Friday 26th July. 

Masterclasses Bolster HSC Preparation for Our Students

On the 11th June our dedicated HSC students took a significant step towards their academic success by participating in specialised masterclasses for Physics, Investigating Science, and Modern History. These masterclasses focused on honing specific skills crucial for excelling in their exams.

In the Physics masterclass, students delved into the intricacies of problem-solving, tackling challenging exam questions with expert guidance. 

The Modern History masterclass concentrated on essay writing. Students learned to craft compelling and coherent essays, a critical skill for scoring high marks. 

For Investigating Science, the focus was on breaking down exam questions. Students were taught how to interpret and analyze questions, identify key components, and structure their answers to meet the examiners' expectations. 

On the 18th June our students continued their rigorous preparation with another round of masterclasses, this time in Drama, Legal Studies, and Cookery. These sessions also centered on improving proficiency in exam-style questions, ensuring students are well-prepared for their assessments.

The Drama masterclass offered students techniques to interpret and analyze scripts, develop character insights, and perform with confidence. 

In the Legal Studies masterclass, students focused on dissecting case studies, understanding legal principles, and applying them to hypothetical scenarios. 

The Cookery masterclass students practiced planning and executing recipes under exam conditions. 

By engaging in these masterclasses, students are not only improving their subject-specific skills but also building confidence and exam readiness. The comprehensive preparation is expected to yield positive outcomes in their Trial HSC exams and ultimately, the Final HSC exams.

Our school remains committed to providing the best support and resources to our students, ensuring they are well-equipped to achieve their academic goals.

JTCC Students Explore the Nature of Light at the University of Sydney

On the 3rd of June, 2024, five Year 12 students from JTCC, accompanied by three teachers, embarked on an educational journey to the University of Sydney. This visit was part of their HSC course and aimed to deepen their understanding of the nature of light through the renowned 'Kickstart' program.

Under clear skies, our students had the unique opportunity to work in the 2nd Year Physics laboratories. Supervised by a PhD Physics student, they conducted experiments that directly related to their course material. Their primary focus was to explore the fundamental question: "Is light a wave or a particle?" Through hands-on experiments, they discovered that light exhibits properties of both.

The experience was not only academically enriching but also gave our students a glimpse into university life at one of Australia’s top campuses. They represented JTCC with distinction, making us proud with their enthusiasm and conduct.

This visit has undoubtedly inspired our students and perhaps, next year, we might see them enrolled at the University of Sydney, continuing their academic journeys.

Well done to our Year 12 students for their curiosity and dedication!

Annual Science Extension Conference at the University of Wollongong

On June 5th, our Year 12 Science Extension students, Amber Mason and Viviene Dos Santos, proudly presented their projects at the annual Science Extension Conference held at the University of Wollongong. This prestigious event provided a platform for young scientists to showcase their research and findings.

Amber and Viviene were part of a distinguished group of ten students, including peers from Magdalene Catholic College in Narellan and St John's in Nowra. Each student delivered a presentation of their scientific research to an audience comprised of teachers and enthusiastic Year 11 students. The presentations highlighted the depth of their studies and the potential impact of their findings.

The day concluded with an inspiring tour of the University’s state-of-the-art facilities, offering students a glimpse into the advanced resources available for higher education and research.

Congratulations to Amber, Viviene, and all the participating students for their outstanding work and contributions to the field of science. Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable.

Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science Water Treatment Plant Visit: A Glimpse into the Journey of Our Drinking Water

Recently, the Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science (EES) class embarked on an educational excursion to the Macarthur Water Treatment Plant in Appin. This visit was a part of their in-depth study on water and the environment, aiming to provide students with real-world insights into the processes that ensure our local drinking water is clean and safe.

During the visit, the students had the opportunity to observe firsthand the intricate workings of the treatment plant. They were guided through the various stages that water undergoes before it reaches our taps, learning about both the chemical and physical processes involved.

One of the highlights of the tour was seeing the addition of chemicals such as lime and iron chloride, which play a crucial role in purifying the water. The students also witnessed physical processes like filtration and flocculation, which help remove impurities and contaminants.

The sheer scale of the plant was a source of fascination for the students. They were particularly impressed by the level of automation that allows the plant to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This automation ensures that the plant can consistently deliver high-quality drinking water to the community.

The visit was made possible thanks to the efforts of Fiona from Trility, who organized and facilitated the tour. Her expertise and hospitality provided the students with a valuable learning experience that enriched their understanding of water treatment processes.

Overall, the visit to the Macarthur Water Treatment Plant was an enlightening experience for the Year 11 EES class, offering them a practical perspective on the importance of water treatment in maintaining public health and environmental sustainability.

Year 11 Investigating Science Students Shine with Innovative Experiments

This term, our Year 11 Investigating Science students have been deeply engaged in designing and conducting their own experiments, showcasing their curiosity and scientific prowess. 

From investigating antibiotic resistance and examining the effects of UV light on yeast cells, to exploring how various pH levels and light conditions impact seed germination, their projects have spanned a wide range of fascinating topics. The students have also delved into the reactivity of metals, the potential of galvanic cells, and the process of transpiration in plants. They even explored the effects of soft drinks on teeth and tracked solar energy generation throughout the day. ??

Amazing work, everyone! Your dedication and innovation are truly inspiring.

Year 10 Geography Fieldwork Excursion to Cronulla

On Friday, 24th May, Year 10 students ventured to the stunning coastline of Cronulla for an enriching Geography fieldwork excursion. This hands-on experience was a crucial component of their Geography curriculum, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and the processes that shape it.

The day was filled with enthusiasm and curiosity as students engaged in a variety of fieldwork activities. They meticulously collected data, conducted surveys, and analyzed various geographical features. Key learning experiences included observing and documenting erosion patterns, studying coastal vegetation, and examining the impact of human activities on the environment. This practical approach allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world context, enhancing their grasp of geographical concepts.

Throughout the excursion, Year 10 students demonstrated exemplary behavior, embodying the values of our College community. They embraced the opportunity to learn outside the classroom, displaying a genuine interest in their surroundings and the fieldwork tasks.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated team of Year 10 HSIE teachers, whose guidance and support were instrumental in making the day a success. Their expertise helped students navigate the complexities of geographical fieldwork, ensuring a productive and educational experience for all.

JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Term 2 Week 8

Term 2 MISA competitions have finally seen some action after some poor weeks of rain and closed grounds. Some very good wins see John Therry climbing the Term 2 MISA Championship. 

MISA Update: - MISA FINALS and Replay Rounds

If you have any questions regarding MISA Sports, please feel free to contact me.

Mr Jamie Cook cooka01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Diocesan and Pathways update

Term 2 kicks off with a flurry of Diocesan carnivals across multiple sports, and lots of wet weather causing some havoc for our Diocesan Football and Cross Country events.  We’ve had a number of students who are out on representative duties at various NSWCCC events, and we are so pleased to hear of their great success. Please see below some of our students who have had outstanding results in our pathway programs. 

Diocesan Football Playoffs.

A talented collection of players from Years 8-10 represented John Therry at this year's Diocesan Football Playoffs.

We departed Campbelltown in a frosty 1 degree morning and the boys soon warmed up with the Campbelltown beats.

Our first game against Corpus Christi was a challenge with the opposition fielding several big, strong and talented footballers. 

It qas a fairly even contest,  with JT playing dome quality football through the middle, with Jaidon Cosmidis, Emerson Yevenes and Davonne Plaatjies putting on a clinic of 1 touch combination passes.

We suffered a minor setback when Corpus punished off a sloppy pass when playing out from the back. We rebounded well, with a quick counter of our own to level the scores up  when Brooklyn Osborne applied some pressure creating an error and Emilio Miranda finishing off the goal.

JT hung tough, and accumulated multiple opportunities in the final third, and Ben Keers was lucky to score a quality goal off the back of a sensational killer pass from Emerson Yevenes. JT progressed to the final after a hard fought 2-1 win.

After a tight and very physical game the boys then faced off a very talented and successful Edmund Rice team. 

Unfortunately we started the game a little flat and ERC dominated field possession with an overloading formation, we kept the JT boys in defensive positions. They battled hard but struggled to repeat their first match heroics, and eventually were defeated 3 - 1.

The future of JT is in good hands as we welcome Lucas Failla, Cooper Firman and Lucas Alvarado who all played key roles in todays games, with Lucas Alvarado scoring a great goal in our final game.

Back: Cooper Firman, Brady Wilson, Blake Neale, Lucas Failla, Aidan Murray, Jaidon Cosmidis, Jon Vasoliopoulos, Alec Sanchez, Sully O’Dwyer

Front: Emilio Miranda, Emerson Yevenes, Brooklyn Osborne, Davonne Plaatjies, Ben Keers, Lucas Alvarado

JTCC Athletics Carnival

Wet weather again caused havoc on another school carnival, with the wet weather meaning that the hard decision was made, and the 2024 athletics carnival was reduced to a Year 12 and competitors only carnival. Thank you to the 170 odd students who attended last week, despite the predicted rain forecast, it turned out to be quite a good day. Our Year 12 students looked fantastic in their costumes, although whoever was the  inflatable T-rex almost took out the expensive timing gates in the 100m event. 

Despite the long jump pit looking more like a pool,we managed to complete most of our program without being too affected by rain. It only seemed to be raining records, with 8 records broken on Friday! This was even without the high jump events being run on the day, where record jumps are the norm. Please see below our newest record holders. 

We were hoping to announce our carnival house winner and age champions, but we still have javelin and high jump to complete at school. These will take place in the next two weeks, serious competitors only.

DIO/NSWCCC Basketball Knockout Tournament 

Intermediate (Year 9/10 Boys) - JT played Holy Spirit in a win or go home situation for the first round of the Year 9/10 Boys division. The game was tight the first half with both teams playing some great defence. We managed to hang on with a 6 point lead at the half. Azor and Luca were able to get out and run in transition to quickly push the lead to double figures. With some big rebounds by the Two Moni’s and Cooper saw us cruise away to a 20 point victory 68-48.

This saw us play Edmund Rice Wollongong who had a similar game to us. We started off nervous with both teams only scoring 10 points in the first 9 minutes. It was tight most of the first half with us getting the lead to 10 but Edmund Rice hit a lot of tough 3 pointers to make it a 4 point game at the half. Edmund Rice picked up where they left off and in the first minute our lead had evaporated.

Luca made some big 3’s and some tough layups to put us up by 6. The game stayed within 6 with Edmund Rice going ahead late in the second half. Cooper Dickie makes back to back 3 point plays to keep us ahead however some interesting referee calls had us up 1 in the final minute. Azor makes a great defensive play in the dying seconds to seal a 61-60 victory!

A very tough game with all team members contributing to a tight win. We are excited for State CCC later on in the year.Congratulations to the team and Mr Jefferys who have now qualified for the NSWCCC Basketball Finals event to be held in October.

Thank you to Ron Federico for the fantastic photos from the event. 

Team: Azor Ruiz, Luca Frederico, Iziah Rebolledo, Cooper Dickie, Thomas Elliot, Jean O’Brien, Matthew Perenara, Moni Junior Tumanuvao, Moni Tumanuvao

Junior (7/8 Boys) - JT played against Edmund Rice in a knockout situation, no second chances. The boys faced a team with a big height advantage under the post but it did not let Mayen phase him. Some fancy footwork and athletic ability allowed him to post up some great scoring numbers. 

At halftime, JT were down 22-9. This came from a relentless full court press from Edmund Rice. The decision for the next half was to utilise court space to move the ball between the team to minimise opportunities for the opposing team to steal the ball.

Some impressive handles from Dorak and nice assists from David allowed this strategy to work as we outscored ourselves in the first half, however, was not enough to overcome Edmund Rice’s offensive capabilities. 

Team: Mayen Ajak, Hayden Choice, Blake Elliott, Cooper Hoomans, Zaya Khan, David Magpantay, Dorak Matewa, Rhys McEvoy, Hayden Thompson, Pheonix Turner, Omar Alosman 

Diocesan Netball Championships 

Year 7/8 Div 2 - Mrs Roberts 

Friday 15th June our four JTCC netball teams descended on Fred Finch Netball Park, Berkeley for the 2024 Diocesan Netball Carnival. The weather was perfect for netball - not too cold, slightly overcast and minimal wind. 

Our 7/8 Div 2 team were excited and enthusiastic, and after a mad rush to get our first game we found a bit of a rhythm and had a win. Unfortunately that was our only win for the day. The girls had a really full on schedule of games, playing 9 games across the day with only 20 minutes between games. 

Despite not managing to land many goals, the girls improved with every game and showed glimpses of brilliance each game. Shout out to our defensive players - mainly Dimity, Lilijana, Madden, and Madison H. These girls worked so hard every game and were under the pump constantly from some much stronger teams. 

Despite the losses, all the girls had a good day; forming new friendships, trying new positions and giving their all every game. They represented John Therry with Pride and enthusiasm and showed fantastic sports(wo)manship. 

Year 7/8 Div 1 - Mrs. Cunningham 

The netball gala day for the 7 & 8 Div 1 team was a mix of fun and competition, with students displaying impressive teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day. It was inspiring to watch their dedication and enthusiasm as they played their matches. Overall, it was a wonderful day where the girls not only competed but also demonstrated great camaraderie. It was evident that everyone involved enjoyed themselves, fostering a sense of unity and spirit among the team. The favorable weather added an extra layer of enjoyment to the day. 

Year 9/10 Div 1 - Mrs Wagstaff 

John Therry Netball Intermediate team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in a series of highly competitive matches against tough opponents at the Diocesan Netball Championships. Every game was a closely fought contest, with impressive for and against scores that highlighted the team's strategic play and teamwork. A standout performance came from Sophie Reagan, who dominated every position she played, showcasing her versatility and talent. Each player contributed significantly, reflecting the team's collective effort and dedication.

Year 11/12 Div 1 - Mrs Kelleher 

Our Year 11-12 team headed down to Wollongong to compete in the Diocesan Netball Championship. We were hampered with some injuries and thank Navara for coming down with us and being an amazing manager and scorer for the duration of the day. 

We had some excellent games, and often girls would play at the shooting end for one half and then switch to the defensive end for the next half, showing the great diversity within our team. 

With a shortened draw due to a late withdrawal by Mt Carmel, we played only 4 games throughout the day. We came away with 1 win and 3 losses, though 2 of the losses could have gone either way. I congratulate the girls on excellent sportsmanship towards both the opposition teams and the umpires. Thank you girls!

Bottom row (left to right): Shanae de Vos, Kiara Beggs, Ayla Cook, Grace O’Reilly, Ella Coombs
Top row (left to right): Annelise Hall, Zoe Wilson, Veronika Miziniak, Georgia Bastock, Allyssa Barry, Miss Kelleher

Manager (Not pictured): Navara Mataipule

External Sporting Success

Laura Augustine Year 11 and Nicholas Augustine Year 9 have both made the NSW State Indoor Cricket teams for their age group and will be travelling to Melbourne for the Australian National Championships in July. We wish them both all the best and look forward to hearing about their results. 

Sophie Regan (Year 9) represented Camden and District Netball Association in the under 15s at the Senior State Titles over the long weekend. They played over the three days and her team finished 10th in their division. Congratulations to Sophie on a big weekend of netball. 

Upcoming Events Term 2 2024:

Upcoming NSWCCC registrations and closing dates

Upcoming NSW All Schools Events

• NSW All Schools Football – Monday 24 - Tuesday 25 June
• NSW All Schools Golf – Monday 24 June - Thursday 27 June
• NSW All Schools Rugby – Thursday 27 June - Friday 28 June

Students at John Therry are given the opportunity to represent John Therry at College, Diocesan and CCC sporting events. Important information regarding each of these sporting opportunities are outlined below.

Term 2 Pathway Opportunities - CLICK HERE

Sporting Pathways Calendar - CLICK HERE 

Diocesan Sporting Opportunities 

This is the main school sporting pathway that is offered to students at John Therry Catholic College. Some John Therry CC Diocesan teams are determined through trials, or a carnival hosted at a college  level (Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming), however some teams are determined by individual trials that students must nominate and register for online. Further information can be found at: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/ 

NSWCCC Sporting Opportunities 

NSWCCC is another school sporting pathway that is offered to students at John Therry Catholic College. Some CCC teams are determined through qualifying at a carnival hosted at a Diocesan level (Athletics, Cross Country, Football, Rugby League, Swimming, Basketball, Touch Football), however some teams are determined by individual trials that students must nominate and register for online. Students must be currently competing at a representative level in their chosen sport to be considered for CCC team trials.The sports that require online nomination and registration include: 

It is important that online registration is completed before the closing date for each sport. These are outlined on the CSNSW website: https://csnsw.sport 

Online registrations are now open for 2024. Please refer to the information on the website regarding the registration process. Here is a link to assist with sports registration for parents: https://csnsw.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/topic/65d787c5-0d2a-4699-a63a-25d586b67ba2 

A reminder to check the Compass Portal for upcoming sporting events and their respective closing dates.

You can also access the Wollongong Sport site for more information regarding Diocesan Sport  throughout the year.

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/diocesan-sport-news

Yours in Sport,

Mrs Georgia Roberts robertsg03@dow.catholic.edu.au 

Please find below a link to the latest Parish Bulletin

https://www.olhcrosemeadow.org.au/bulletin/